Why Nailing Final Mile Delivery Is Crucial and How to Properly Equip Crews
For any business that relies on delivery to customers, whether those are
consumers or other businesses, the “final mile” (or “last mile”) is the
most crucial part of the process. There are some common misconceptions
about the final mile and recurring questions about how best to ensure
that all of final mile processes go smoothly. Some of those processes
are business-specific, as every company has its own unique challenges
and clients. However, there are more universal tools and solutions, from
a stair climbing dolly to the right software, that can optimize final mile delivery for any business.
What Is the Final Mile?
For starters, the final mile isn’t necessarily a mile. In fact, it usually isn’t. The term “final mile” refers to the last logistical stage in a product’s journey from its manufacture to delivery: the final journey between a local warehouse and the customer’s door. The final mile can be the trickiest, the most important, and the most expensive portion of the journey. Final mile delivery can cost as much as half of the entire shipping expense, and is crucial in terms of customer satisfaction.
Why Is Final Mile So Expensive and Important?
The shipping routes of the components of products or the products themselves to businesses are generally in bulk and well established. While there can certainly be hiccups, bulk shipping to a processing center or business is fairly uniform and uneventful.
Final mile shipping, however, involves navigating urban, suburban, or rural delivery routes that change with each trip. It can be hampered by traffic congestion, parking issues, hard-to-find locations, poor road conditions, and a world of other issues. Final mile delivery accrues labor and fuel costs much greater than other parts of the supply chain, in a business environment where customers are less willing to pay for delivery service. The ecommerce explosion has led to a resultant massive increase in product deliveries and an expectation that those deliveries will be free. Free, timely, and successful delivery, despite the cost, is essential for the survival of many companies.
The Tools to Do It Right
It can be hard to outline one-size-fits-all strategies that apply to all businesses because every company is dealing with its own unique circumstances. In broad strokes, however, successful final mile delivery comes down to the right tools. An up-to-date, user-friendly logistical software program is a necessity, as well as reliable GPS, and telematic systems in vehicles to assist with scheduling and driver accountability. Otherwise, focus on transportation equipment that optimizes the safety and efficiency of the delivery.
If crews might be required to wrangle large packages up and down staircases regularly, consider investing in a stair climbing cart or dolly for the crews to use. Each delivery vehicle should be equipped with the tools needed to safely deliver the range of packages it’s likely to transport. As a baseline, it’s wise to have hand carts, straps, weather-appropriate work apparel, and anything else crews might need in the vehicle.
About Magline
For more than 70 years, the word “Magliner” has been a byword for the best equipment available to those working in material handling. In fact, Magliner equipment is such an industry standard, the name is often used to reference any hand cart. Don’t be fooled, however: There is simply no substitute for Magliner quality, dependability, and ease of use. Along with the traditional Magliner hand truck, they offer a diverse selection of specialized equipment, including their lift hand truck line, walk behind forklift line, and an electric hand truck line for heavier jobs. For delivery, warehouses, trucking and logistics, and any other task that requires hauling something, there’s a Magliner for the job.
Choose the best tool for the job by choosing Magliner products, at Magliner.com
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| Stair Climbing Cart |
What Is the Final Mile?
For starters, the final mile isn’t necessarily a mile. In fact, it usually isn’t. The term “final mile” refers to the last logistical stage in a product’s journey from its manufacture to delivery: the final journey between a local warehouse and the customer’s door. The final mile can be the trickiest, the most important, and the most expensive portion of the journey. Final mile delivery can cost as much as half of the entire shipping expense, and is crucial in terms of customer satisfaction.
Why Is Final Mile So Expensive and Important?
The shipping routes of the components of products or the products themselves to businesses are generally in bulk and well established. While there can certainly be hiccups, bulk shipping to a processing center or business is fairly uniform and uneventful.
Final mile shipping, however, involves navigating urban, suburban, or rural delivery routes that change with each trip. It can be hampered by traffic congestion, parking issues, hard-to-find locations, poor road conditions, and a world of other issues. Final mile delivery accrues labor and fuel costs much greater than other parts of the supply chain, in a business environment where customers are less willing to pay for delivery service. The ecommerce explosion has led to a resultant massive increase in product deliveries and an expectation that those deliveries will be free. Free, timely, and successful delivery, despite the cost, is essential for the survival of many companies.
The Tools to Do It Right
It can be hard to outline one-size-fits-all strategies that apply to all businesses because every company is dealing with its own unique circumstances. In broad strokes, however, successful final mile delivery comes down to the right tools. An up-to-date, user-friendly logistical software program is a necessity, as well as reliable GPS, and telematic systems in vehicles to assist with scheduling and driver accountability. Otherwise, focus on transportation equipment that optimizes the safety and efficiency of the delivery.
If crews might be required to wrangle large packages up and down staircases regularly, consider investing in a stair climbing cart or dolly for the crews to use. Each delivery vehicle should be equipped with the tools needed to safely deliver the range of packages it’s likely to transport. As a baseline, it’s wise to have hand carts, straps, weather-appropriate work apparel, and anything else crews might need in the vehicle.
About Magline
For more than 70 years, the word “Magliner” has been a byword for the best equipment available to those working in material handling. In fact, Magliner equipment is such an industry standard, the name is often used to reference any hand cart. Don’t be fooled, however: There is simply no substitute for Magliner quality, dependability, and ease of use. Along with the traditional Magliner hand truck, they offer a diverse selection of specialized equipment, including their lift hand truck line, walk behind forklift line, and an electric hand truck line for heavier jobs. For delivery, warehouses, trucking and logistics, and any other task that requires hauling something, there’s a Magliner for the job.
Choose the best tool for the job by choosing Magliner products, at Magliner.com
